Tomorrow is the start of one of my favorite events in Rochester – the 360|365 George Eastman House Film Festival. It runs Wednesday, April 27 -Monday, May 2. This year, the festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary. With six film-packed days, you won’t experience anything else like this in Rochester.

Technically, I still consider myself a film fest newbie – 2010 was my first year attending the festival, but I was instantly hooked! For this reason, I unfortunately can’t claim to be an expert of navigating the festival or planning out which films to attend, but I can say this event should not be missed by any YP in Rochester. Not only do you get to view cutting-edge films, but you get to take part in Q&A’s with internationally recognized filmmakers and attend parties with important Rochester leaders and celebrities. Last year, I met one of my childhood idols Thurman Thomas at one of the 360|365 parties downtown. A football player at a film party? What?! Yes, film brings people together!

Me and Thurman last year

360|365 made me discover a whole new way to experience the best of Rochester and film. There is so much film history in this city between Kodak and George Eastman House, and this festival immerses you in that legacy. Attending a film at a film festival is much different than going to one film at huge cinema complex. Film Festivals – although always packed with people – seem more intimate as the audience gets to know each other throughout the week at the different films and social events.

Like any YP, my work schedule is jam-packed, but I have made a point to carve out time to Live and Breathe Film this week. No matter how crazy life gets, I have learned it is important to take the time to participate in something different, something bigger than yourself, and something that will open your eyes. Last year, the audience vote for Best Documentary was Waiting for Superman, a film that dissects the heartbreaking problems with public education in the US. I wouldn’t feel as passionate about this issue had I not seen this film.

So to all YPs – I hope you can attend. There are lots of easy ways to connect to the festival this year. Below are a few resources for you to learn more about what is going on each minute of every day. Tomorrow night is the opening party. Be there! And if anyone has more experience with the festival, I’d love you to comment below with tips and recommendations. Thanks!

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The Rochester's Young Professionals blog is the place to look for the latest updates on the young professionals scene in Rochester, from career advice to networking events.

Contributors

Kate McGowan is a former Rochester television news reporter now working in the non-profit sector for the nation’s leading children’s charity, Make-A-Wish. She is passionate about inspiring young professionals to use their talents in becoming more actively involved in their communities. Follow her on Twitter at @KateMcGowan

Toni Lynn Arena: I am a digital media specialist by day and a fitness loving, animal activist by night. When I'm not working on self-improvement inside and out, I work with other philanthropists to build awareness within the young professional community and help make a difference.

Andrea Raethka earned a bachelor's in History, Sociology and Women's Studies from the College of Brockport. She is a mother of three young children and is always up for exploring new places for kiddie play dates. She enjoys good food, local shopping and keeping up to date on news, politics and public school issues. Find Andrea on Twitter: @Mango1531.

Ashley Dewey is an internet marketing blogger from Victor who shares thoughts about life and pets.

Audrey Burns is a reader, writer and full-time nostalgist who writes about cultural and social issues in Rochester.

Cynthia Pacia shares thoughts about giving and living in the Rochester area.

Eastman Young Professionals share the latest happenings at George Eastman House.

Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals share life and non-profit experiences, and their journey within Rochester’s changing landscape.

Jason Schwingle is a native of Rochester. He shares his thoughts and ideas on bringing young professionals back to Rochester and to downtown.

Jenna Kempie is the Social Media Chair for the Rochester Young Professionals, and is contributing posts on RYP activities and other helpful insights for young professionals in the community. Jenna enjoys getting out and exploring the area, and talking to people about their Rochester experiences, print and technology - on and offline. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaKempie

Jennifer Galvez Caton is an active arts volunteer who shares her passion and perspective on theater, film, dance and music with young professionals in the Rochester area.

Jerome Nathaniel is a 2011 graduate of the University of Rochester, where he was an executive editor for the Campus Times and a service fellow with the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Now, the Brooklyn native has returned to Rochester as an Americorp Vista at Foodlink, where he's serving as a hunger advocate.

Kayleigh Nutting is a non-profit professional that came to Rochester for college and never left. She is a graduate student and works full time planning special events and fundraising. Follow her as she writes about kicking back, giving back and appreciating the Flower City.

Kristine Caronna, a young professional blogger from Greece, shares her thoughts and updates.

Leah Shearer is a young professional and two-time cancer survivor from Rochester. She shares her unique perspective on all things - the serious, the silly and everything in between.

Luticha Doucette is a student researcher, activist and humanist who sees the world from a seated position. She chronicles life as a disable person seeking a PhD. position in biophysics at Yale or John Hopkins universities, and beyond.

Maria Thomas is the chair of RocCity Coalition, who is passionate about education and the needs of city youth. She writes about various opportunities for young professionals to get involved in the community.

Olga Podzorov is an agent with Nothnagle Realtors. She is a community activist and passionate philanthropist who is committed to working with young professionals. She covers a variety of real estate issues.

Ruth Harper-Rhode, a St. Bonaventure University graduate, does public relations for a local nonprofit. She moved to Rochester from a small city in 2011 and lived on Park Ave before moving to Penfield, where she currently resides.

Terra Keller sends updates from the staff at Foodlink, a popular regional food bank.

Stefanie Schwingle is a Rochester native and has worked at Wegmans Corporation for the past 10 years, but her interests lie in entrepreneurship and communication and her passions include urban living, photography, and cooking. Stefanie lives downtown with her husband and loves everyday life in the city.

Taren Greenidge earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, cum laude, in 2007 from Spelman College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010. She is an associate at Littler Mendelson, P.C, a U.S.-based international law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren is the president of the Black Young Professionals of Rochester, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc., which targets individuals ages 21 through 40 to foster growth and professional development, to empower members to achieve success and to strive to improve the community.